Programmed shutter gamma switching circuit

ABSTRACT

A gamma switching circuit of a programmed shutter having a voltage conversion circuit which subjects to logarithmic compression an optical current which varies with γ=1 with respect to brightness variation. A constant circuit has only an inflow current available and no outflow current is available at the output terminal thereof. A time setting circuit includes a switching circuit and a shutter controlling magnet driving circuit. The output terminal of the voltage conversion circuit is connected through a series circuit of two resistors to the output terminal of said constant voltage circuit, and the connection point between said two resistors is connected to the input terminal of said time setting circuit. The constant voltage circuit applies a voltage to one input terminal of a differential amplifier circuit, and the collector of a transistor whose base is connected to the output terminal of the differential amplifier circuit is connected to the other input terminal of the differential amplifier. The other input terminal of the differential amplifier is employed as an output terminal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to switching the gamma (γ) of shutter control time of a programmed shutter.

First, the gamma (γ) will be described. In the APEX indication in photographic optics, the following equation is established. ##EQU1##

where E_(V) is the exposure exponent; A_(V) is the aperture value exponent; T_(V) is the shutter speed exponent; S_(V) is the film sensitivity exponent; and B_(V) is the brightness exponent of an object.

The relation between the value T_(V) and the actual time can be expressed as follows:

    T=1/(2T.sub.V)

In general, in taking pictures it can be considered that the film sensitivity exponent S_(V) is substantially constant for as long as the roll of film loaded in a camera is used. Therefore, a graph, shown in FIG. 1, can be obtained by plotting the values T_(V) and E_(V) respectively along the vertical and horizontal axes. If the quantity of unitary change of E_(V) is designated by ΔE_(V) and the quantity of change of T_(V) caused when the unitary change ΔE_(V) is made is designated by ΔT_(V), then ΔT_(V) /ΔE_(V) is the gamma (γ) of shutter control time. If the value S_(V) is constant, the value E_(V) is a function of the value B_(V).

Some programmed shutters serving as a shutter and a lens stop have a range (γ<1) where the operation is effectuated with a constant relation between time and aperture opening diameter (F value) when the brightness is relatively high, and a range (γ=1) where the quantity of exposure is controlled only by the time with the aperture opening diameter maintained unchanged when the brightness is higher than a certain value. For such a programmed shutter, it is necessary to switch the aforementioned gamma (γ) according to the brightness ranges.

In a conventional programmed shutter having the ranges γ<1 and γ=1, a brightness detecting element made of cadium sulfide (hereinafter referred to merely as "a CdS" when applicable) is employed, and switching the gamma is accomplished by utilizing the fact that the resistance of the CdS provides (γ<1) in the case of the high brightness range and (γ÷1) in the case of the low brightness range. Furthermore, the approximation of the gamma (γ) is used as indicated in FIG. 2, in which reference numeral (1) designates a curve in which switching the gamma (γ) is ideally performed, and reference numeral (2) designates a curve indicating the variations of resistance of the CdS.

However, the variation characteristic of resistance of the CdS with respect to a wide range of brightness is relatively inaccurate. Specifically, the variation characteristics of resistance of the CdS is not for example like the characteristics of a photo-diode, where the variations of optical current with respect to a wide range of brightness are of γ=1. That is, with the CdS, the brightness range which is considered similar to the characteristics in which switching the gamma is ideally performed is limited, and accordingly the brightness range employable for a camera is, in general, limited. Furthermore, in general, it is difficult to switch the gamma only by means of the light receiving element. The response of the CdS to variations of light is slow, especially in the range of low brightness, and it is slow when compared with that of a photodiode. However, the variations of the output optical current of the photo-diode with respect to the entire range of brightness is γ=1. Therefore, the photo-diode cannot be used for the programmed shutter without modification, which is controlled with the exposure control time for brightness being of γ<1.

Thus, an element such as a photo-diode whose output varies with γ=1 in the entire range of brightness cannot be employed for a programmed shutter, especially a programmed shutter having ranges different in gamma (γ), although the element is superior to the CdS.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In this invention, a brightness detecting element, such as a photo-diode, whose output variations is of γ=1 in all the range of brightness is used for a programmed shutter. Yet the variations of exposure control time with respect to brightness are switched to those in the ranges γ=1 and γ<1 by circuitry instead of mechanical switch means.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide for an improved gamma switching circuit for a camera having a programmed shutter.

It is another object of this invention to provide for an improved photooptical sensor using a gamma switching circuit to accomplish improved performance in a camera having a programmed shutter.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an improved gamma switching circuit that is economical to manufacture yet reliable.

These and other objects of this invention are accomplished by a gamma switching circuit of a programmed shutter having a voltage conversion circuit which subjects to logarithmic compression an optical current which varies with γ=1 with respect to brightness variation. A constant voltage circuit in which only inflow current is available is employed with a time setting circuit including a switching circuit and a shutter controlling magnet driving circuit. The output terminal of the voltage conversion circuit is connected through a series circuit of two resistors to the output terminal of the constant voltage circuit, and the connection point between the two resistors is connected to the input terminal of the time setting circuit. The constant voltage circuit applies a voltage to one input terminal of a differential amplifier circuit, and the collector of a transistor whose base is connected to the output terminal of the differential amplifier circuit is connected to the other input terminal of the differential amplifier. The other input terminal of the differential amplifier is employed as an output terminal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a graphical representation for a description of the gamma of shutter control time;

FIG. 2 is a graphical representation indicating variations of resistance with brightness in a brightness detecting element (CdS);

FIG. 3 is a diagram for a description of the principle of operation and function of a gamma switching circuit according to this invention;

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the constant voltage source circuit in which current flows only into the circuit;

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing one example of the gamma switching circuit according to the invention;

FIG. 6 is a graphical representation indicating a typical example of shutter blades opening and closing operation characteristics;

FIG. 7 shows a typical example of programmed shutter operating characteristics indicated on an APEX diagram;

FIG. 8 is a graphical representation indicating a typical example of the E_(V) vs T_(V) operating characteristics of the circuit according to the invention;

FIG. 9 is a graphical representation indicating characteristic curves obtained when the ratio of the resistances of resistors R₁ and R₂ is changed in the circuit according to the invention; and

FIG. 10 is a graphical representation indicating a typical example of characteristic curves obtained when the voltage of a constant voltage source E1 is changed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIG. 3 a diagram of a description of the principle of the operation and function of the gamma switching circuit according to the invention is shown. In circuit OP₁, an optical current i_(p) produced by a photo-diode PD with γ-1 with respect to a brightness is allowed to flow to the collector of a diode-connected transistor T_(A) to provide a logarithmic compression voltage. This voltage is applied to an amplifier OP_(O) to obtain a voltage at the output terminal b. In this connection, it is assumed that the amplification degree of the amplifier OP_(O) is one (1) for simplification in this description. If a voltage developed across the base and the emitter of the transistor T_(A) is designated V_(BET-A), then the following relation (1) between the voltage V_(BET-A) and the optical current i_(p) flowing in the transistor T_(A) is established: ##EQU2## where K is the Boltzmann's constant; q is the electron charge;

T is the absolute temperature;

i_(o) is the collector current having a value; and

V_(BEO) is the voltage developed across the base

and the emitter of the transistor T_(A) when the collector current i_(o) flows.

In FIG. 3, reference character OP₂ designates a constant voltage generating circuit in which the direction of current as viewed from its output terminal is such that it flows only into the circuit. D₁ designates an ideal diode to define the direction of the current. It is assumed that when a current having a value i_(E1) is presented to the collector of a diode-connected transistor T_(C) from a constant current source I_(E1) a voltage V_(BET-C) is developed across the base and the emitter of the transistor T_(C). It is further assumed that the amplification degree of an amplifier OP_(OO) is one (1) and the voltage at its output terminal c is V_(E1) (V_(F1) =V_(BET-C)). Output terminal b of the amplifier OP₁ is connected through a series circuit of resistors R₁ and R₂ to the output terminal c of the constant voltage generating circuit OP₂. The resistors R₁ and R₂ are connected to a connection point a.

The circuits OP₁ and OP₂ and the resistors R₁ and R₂ from a circuit OP₃ which employs the connection point a as its output terminal. In FIG. 3, OP₄ designates a circuit including the time setting section and the magnet (MG) control section of a conventional ES circuit.

The voltage at the output terminal a is applied to the base of a transistor T_(B) in the circuit OP₄. The collector of the transistor T_(B) is connected through a parallel circuit of a switch SW_(T) and a capacitor C_(T) to an electric source E₃ and to the inversion terminal (-) of a voltage comparator COM-1. The non-inversion terminal of comparator COM-1 is connected through an electric source E₂ to the electric source E_(z). The output terminal of the voltage comparator COM-1 is connected through the magnet MG to the electric source E₃.

If it is assumed that the voltage applied across the base and the emitter of the transistor T_(B) is V_(BET-B), then as in the equation (1), the following equation (2) can be obtained:

    V.sub.BET-B =(KT/q) ln (I.sub.C /i.sub.o)+V.sub.BEO        (2)

where, I_(C) is the collector current of the transistor.

Normally, the switch SW_(T) is closed, and the potential of the non-inversion terminal of the voltage comparator COM-1 is higher than that of the inversion terminal. Therefore the magnet MG is energized. When the switch SW_(T) is opened in synchronization with the start of opening the shutter, the constant current integration of the capacitor C_(T) with the collector current I_(C) of the transistor T_(B) starts. The charge voltage of the capacitor is compared with the voltage of the reference electric source E₂ in the voltage comparator COM-1. When the charge voltage becomes higher than the voltage of the reference electric source E₂, the output voltage of the voltage comparator COM-1 is inverted. As a result the magnet MG is deenergized. When the magnet MG is energized, the shutter closing operation is maintained, but when the magnet MG is deenergized, the shutter closing operation is released. Hence the shutter starts closing itself.

FIG. 6 is a graphical representation indicating a typical example of the opening and closing operation characteristics of the shutter blades which serve both as the shutter and the aperture. During the period of time from the time instant t_(o) when the switch SW_(T) is opened to the time instant t_(a), the full-aperture value F_(a) is obtained. The value F_(a) and the time, function in a predetermined relation to determine a quantity of exposure. This will be referred to as "a region of γ<1". For instance, at the time instant t_(c) the shutter blades start closing (t_(c) <t_(a)). After the value F reaches the value F_(a), the value F is maintained unchanged and the quantity of exposure is controlled as the function of time. This will be referred to as "a region of γ=1". For instance, at the time instant t_(b) the shutter starts closing (t_(b) >t_(a)).

The operation will now be described in more detail.

The constant current integration of the capacitor C_(T) with the collector current I_(C) of the transistor T_(B) starts simultaneously with the opening of the switch SW_(T) (which operates in synchronization with the start of opening the shutter blades). The relation between the exposure control time T and the collector current I_(C) can be expressed by the following equation (3):

    C×V.sub.2 =I.sub.C ×T                          (3)

If arranged,

    T=(C×V.sub.2)/I.sub.C                                (3')

where, C is the capacitance of the capacitor C_(T) ; and V₂ is the voltage of the reference voltage source E2.

The base-emitter voltages V_(BET-A), V_(BET-B) and V_(BET-C) of the transistors T_(A), T_(B) and T_(C) can be represented by the following equations (4), (5) and (6), respectively: ##EQU3##

where, i_(p) is the optical current of the photo-diode PD;

I_(C) is the collector current of the transistor T_(C) : and

i_(E1) is the value of current flowing in the constant current source I_(E1). It is assumed that the transistors T_(A), T_(B) and T_(C) are equal in characteristic.

Equation (4) indicates also the voltage at the circuit point b in FIG. 3, and equation (6) indicates also the voltage at the circuit point c in FIG. 3.

If V_(BET-A) >V_(BET-C), then the current flows in the resistors R₁ and R₂ in the direction i_(X) in FIG. 3. The voltage at circuit point a can be expressed by the following equation (7): ##EQU4## where, r₁ is the resistance of the resistor R₁ ;

r₂ is the resistance of the resistor R₂ ; and

V_(a) is the voltage at the circuit point a.

Since circuit point a is connected to the base of the transistor T_(B),

    V.sub.a =V.sub.BET-B                                       (8)

If the equation (8) is rearranged by substituting the equations (4) through (7) thereinto, then: ##EQU5##

With respect to the logarithmic terms, ##EQU6##

Therefore, ##EQU7##

From the equation (3'), ##EQU8##

If the values r₁, r₂, i_(E1), C and V₂ are constants,

then

    T=K/(i.sub.p).sup.Z                                        (13)

where K=CV₂ (i_(E1))^(Z) /i_(E1) (14)

and ##EQU9##

Therefore, the exposure control time T is a function of (i_(p))^(Z). Since the value Z corresponds to the gamma (γ) of the time, the gamma can be determined as desired by selecting the values r₁ and r₂ (γ<1).

The case where V_(BET-A) <V_(BET-C) will now be described.

If the voltage at circuit point c is higher than the voltage at circuit point b in FIG. 3, the current should flow in resistors R₁ and R₂ in the direction i_(Y) as indicated in FIG. 3. However, the current does not flow in that direction (i_(Y)) due to the following reason. In the circuit OP₂ in which the base-emitter voltage of the transistor T_(C) is produced, the direction of current is determined by the ideal diode D1 connected to the output terminal. However, since there is no other circuit to supply current to circuit point c, the current does not flow in the direction of i_(Y), and therefore no voltage drop occurs through the resistors R₁ and R₂. Thus, the voltage at circuit point b is solely applied to circuit point a. This can be expressed as follows:

    V.sub.BET-A =V.sub.BET-B                                   (16)

Therefore, ##EQU10##

Accordingly,

    i.sub.p =I.sub.C                                           (18)

From the equation (3'),

    T=K'/i.sub.p                                               (19)

where, K' is the constant.

Since the exponent of the value i_(p) is one (1), the variation of time with respect to the variation of brightness is effected with γ=1.

The arrangement of the circuit OP₂ in which the direction of current as viewed from the output terminal c is such that the current flows only into the circuit. This will be described with reference to FIG. 4. In the circuit shown in FIG. 4, the base-emitter voltage of a transistor T_(C) diode-connected is driven with constant current by a constant current source I_(E1). The base-emitter voltage is applied to one of the input terminals of a differential amplifier circuit formed with transistors T₁ and T₂. The collector of a transistor T₅ is connected to an output terminal c and to the other input terminal of the differential amplifier circuit. Hence, the other input terminal is employed as the output terminal c.

Reference characters T₁ and T₃ designate PNP type transistors, and reference characters T₂, T₄ and T₅ designate NPN type transistors. The emitter of the transistor T₁ is connected to the emitter of the transistor T₃. The current (I_(o)) of a constant current source is applied to the emitter of the transistors T₁ and T₃. The base of the transistor T₁ is connected to the transistor T_(C) which is driven with the constant current i_(E1). The collector of the transistor T₁ is connected to the collector of the transistor T₂ and to the base of the transistor T₅. The base of the transistor T₂ is connected to the collector (base) of the diode-connected transistor T₄ and to the collector of the transistor T₃. The collector of the transistor T₅ is connected to the base of the transistor T₃.

The circuit of FIG. 4 can easily be modified to form a conventional operational amplifier. In such a modification, the collector of the transistor T₅ is connected through an element such as a resistor to the electric source E₃.

Because of the characteristics of such an operational amplifier, the base-emitter voltage of the diode-connected transistor T_(C) which is driven with the constant current i_(E1) is applied to circuit point c. Similarly, in the circuit shown in FIG. 4, when the current i_(X) flows to the collector of the transistor T₅, it functions as an operational amplifier, and the base-emitter voltage of the diode-connected transistor T_(C) is applied to the circuit point c. However, since the collector of the transistor T₅ is connected only to the base of the transistor T₃, no current i_(y) flows outside from the circuit point c. (the small base current of the transistor T₃ can be disregarded). Thus, it is possible to provide a constant voltage generating circuit which gives directivity to the flow of current from the circuit point c. If the transistors T₁ and T₃ are Darlington-connected, the bias currents to the input and output terminals can be reduced, and therefore the effects to the surrounding circuits can be minimized.

The circuit according to this invention can be obtained by consolidating the above-described circuit. One example of the circuit according to the invention is as shown in FIG. 5. The operation of the circuit is identical to the that described for FIG. 3. It is shown to illustrate how the constant voltage generating circuit is coupled in a complete circuit according to this invention.

The results of the actual operation of the circuit shown in FIG. 5 will now be described. FIG. 7 is a graphical representation indicating a typical example of the characteristic of a programmed shutter, and more specifically shows the combinations of the values A_(V) and T_(V) according to the values E_(V). In the range darker than E_(V) 8, A_(V) =3 and only the value T_(V) changes. In the range lighter than E_(V) 8, the variations of T_(V) with respect to the variations of E_(V) are indicated with γ=0.5.

The results of operation with the characteristics shown in FIG. 7 are indicated in FIG. 8. As is apparent from FIG. 8, when change is made from E_(V) 8 to E_(V) 7, T_(V) 5 is changed to T_(V) 4, and therefore γ=1 in the range darker than E_(V) 8. When E_(V) 8 is changed to E_(V) 10 (the amount of change being 2 E_(V)), T_(V) 5 is changed to T_(V) 6. Therefore the time set by the time setting circuit is changed as much as that corresponding to 1 E_(V). This change is in the range with γ=0.5. In this case, the resistances r₁ and r₂ of the resistors R₁ and R₂ in FIG. 5 are equal to each other; r₁ =r₂ in the equation (15).

FIG. 9 indicates typical examples of the case where the value γ is changed. Reference numeral (1) in FIG. 9 indicates the characteristics of a range with γ=1. If the switching point of the gamma (γ) is unchanged, the characteristics of the range with γ=1 are determined according to the values γ. For instance, by selecting the values r₁ and r₂ of the equation (15) the characteristics (3) in FIG. 9 (γ<0.5) and the characteristics (4) in FIG. 9 (0.5<γ<1) can be obtained.

FIG. 10 indicates a typical example of the case where the value γ is maintained constant, and the gamma (γ) switching E_(V) value (hereinafter referred to as "a gamma (γ) switching point" when applicable) is changed. If the voltage value at circuit point c in FIG. 5, i.e., the base-emitter voltage of the transistor T_(C) is changed (by changing the current value i_(E1) of the constant current source I_(E1)), the gamma switching point can be set by correlating the variation of the voltage at circuit point c and the brightness with the output voltage (at the circuit point b) of the voltage conversion circuit (which subjects the optical current of the photo-diode PD, which changes with γ=1, to logarithmic compression). That is, the point where the voltage at circuit point c coincides with the voltage at circuit point b correspond to the gamma (γ) switching point.

Therefore, if the voltage at the circuit point c is increased, the gamma (γ) switching point is shifted towards the high value of E_(V). On the other hand if the voltage at the circuit point c is decreased, the gamma (γ) switching point is shifted towards the low value of E_(V). Since the gamma (γ) is maintained unchanged in the ranges with γ=1 and γ=1, the inclinations of the graphs in the ranges with γ=1, and γ=1 are not changed.

As is apparent from the above description, according to the invention, it is possible to use a photo-diode having quick response characteristics to optical change. Therefore the optical response speed, which is a difficulty common in a conventional brightness detecting element (CdS) can be improved.

A brightness detecting element in which the output variation with respect to brightness variation is of γ=1 can be employed according to the invention. Therefore, unlike conventional techniques, it is unnecessary to intricately change the characteristics of the light receiving element. Thus, a light receiving element having relatively simple characteristics which can be readily operated, can be employed.

As indicated in FIG. 9, the value of gamma (γ) can be set as desired by changing the ratio of the resistances of the resistors R₁ and R₂ and therefore the gamma characteristics of the mechanism of the shutter blades can be readily changed. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10, the gamma switching point can be readily changed by changing the output voltage of the constant voltage generating circuit in which the current flows only into the circuit as viewed from the output terminal. Thus, setting the gamma (when γ=1) and the gamma switching point can be readily achieved.

It is apparent that modifications to this invention may be made without departing from the essential scope of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A gamma switching circuit of a programmed shutter comprising: means for generating an optical current varying with respect to brightness of light; a voltage conversion circuit for logarithmic compression of said optical current; a constant voltage circuit in which only inflow current is available and no outflow current is available at the output terminal thereof; and a time setting circuit including a switching circuit and a shutter controlling magnet driving circuit, the output terminal of said voltage conversion circuit being connected at a connection point to the output terminal of said constant voltage circuit, and the connection point being connected to the input terminal of said time setting circuit.
 2. A gamma switching circuit of claim 1 wherein said constant voltage circuit includes a differential amplifier circuit and transistor, said constant voltage circuit including means applying a voltage to one input terminal of said differential amplifier circuit, and said transistor having its base connected to the output terminal of said differential amplifier circuit and the collector being connected to the other input terminal of said differential amplifier, said other input terminal of said differential amplifier being employed as an output terminal.
 3. The gamma switching circuit of claims 1 or 2 wherein said means for generating an optical current is a photo-diode.
 4. The gamma switching circuit of claim 3 wherein said optical current varies with γ=1 with respect to variations in the brightness of light.
 5. The gamma switching circuit of claim 1 further comprising a series circuit of two resistors disposed between the output terminal of the voltage conversion circuit and the output terminal of said constant voltage circuit, said connection point being placed between said resistors.
 6. The gamma switching circuit of claim 5 wherein said constant voltage circuit includes a differential amplifier circuit and a transistor, said constant voltage circuit further including means applying a voltage to one input terminal of said differential amplifier, said transistor having its base connected to the output terminal of said differential amplifier circuit and its collector being connected to the other input terminal of said differential amplifier, said other input terminal being employed as an output terminal.
 7. The gamma switching circuit of claims 1 or 6 wherein said time setting circuit comprises an input transistor having its base coupled to said connection point, and a parallel circuit of an integrating capacitor and a switch coupled to the collector of said input transistor.
 8. The gamma switching circuit of claim 7 wherein said shutter controlling magnet driving circuit comprises a comparator having its output coupled to the shutter control magnet, said comparator having its inversion input terminal coupled to parallel circuit and, a voltage source coupled to the other input terminal of said comparator.
 9. The gamma switching circuit of claims 1 or 6 wherein said voltage conversion circuit comprises a diode connected transistor having its collector and base coupled to said means for generating an optical current and an amplifier for amplifying the resulting logarithmic compression voltage.
 10. The gamma switching circuit of claim 9 wherein said means for generating an optical current comprises a photo-diode having an output current varying with γ=1 with respect to variations in the brightness of light. 